Everton FC News: Yakubu urges his team-mates to take frustration over Birmingham draw out on Bolton

Mar 16 2010 by James Pearce, Liverpool Daily Post

Everton FC News: AYEGBENI YAKUBU has urged his Everton team-mates to take out their frustration on Bolton at Goodison Park this Saturday.

Everton missed the chance to step up their challenge for European qualification last weekend as they let slip a 2-0 lead at fellow contenders Birmingham City.

The Nigerian striker admits only taking a point from the game at St Andrew’s was tough to take but he is expecting a response against Owen Coyle’s side.

“Everyone was disappointed we didn’t get the three points,” he said.

“To only go home with a point meant everyone was a little bit down.

“We threw it away but there is no shame getting a draw at Birmingham. You have to give them some credit because they are a good team who gave everything.

“Hopefully we can make up for it this Saturday at home and get back on track. We have to keep working hard and get three points against Bolton.”

Yakubu, who nodded home Everton’s second goal at Birmingham, believes he is slowly getting back to his best after his lengthy absence with an Achilles injury.

The 27-year-old’s fourth strike of a difficult season helped to banish the memory of his performance against Hull a week earlier when he missed a penalty and a number of other gilt-edged chances.

“I was pleased to get one and it’s so good to be back,” he added.

“I was disappointed after the Hull game but the manager said to me ‘you have to keep the goals for when it really matters’.

“As a striker sometimes you play really well, but don’t score.

“But then at Birmingham I finished my first chance which is great so you have to stay positive.

“As a striker you have to be strong in the head and when you get a chance to play you have to take it.

“I thought after mine and Victor’s goals we would get the three points but we now have to focus on Bolton.”

Yakubu, who ruptured his Achilles in November 2008, has made gradual progress since he returned to action last September.

And with other star names regaining their fitness he is confident the future is bright for David Moyes and his side.

“I think Everton are getting better and better. Every season we get better,” Yakubu said.

“With the players we have and getting our injured players back I think we now have one of the best Everton squads for a long time

“We now hope we can progress as a team and start winning trophies.”

Meanwhile, Landon Donovan has praised the “incredible” Everton supporters following the end of his 10-week loan spell at Goodison.

The USA international has returned to LA Galaxy after scoring twice in 13 appearances for Moyes’ men.

Everton’s hopes of extending his stay on Merseyside were dashed by the MLS outfit.

“I’m 28 and I’ve played over 100 times for my country, I’ve also played a lot of league games in different parts of the world, but I’ve never met a fan-base like this,” Donovan said.

“They’ve been absolutely incredible and it’s hard to imagine that they can be that passionate every time you go out but they care. The send-off from the fans after the Hull City game was one of the most incredible experiences of my life.”